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An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

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Exterior
Beach
Interior
Interior
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedroomsSleeps 51399 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Downings, Co. Donegal
  • Place, Sandy Hills Golf Course
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Carrigart Beach
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Carrigart Riding Stables
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Donegal (CFN)
    ‪71 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Downings

This cottage places you within a few miles (5 km) of Sandy Hills Golf Course and Carrigart Beach. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.
View more Cottages in DowningsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Sandy Hills Golf Course - 10 min drive - 4.2 miles
  • Carrigart Beach - 10 min drive - 4.4 miles
  • Carrigart Riding Stables - 11 min drive - 5.3 miles
  • Fanad - 33 min drive - 19.7 miles
  • Marble Hill Strand - 35 min drive - 19.9 miles

Getting around

  • Letterkenny (LTR-Letterkenny Airfield) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Olde Glen Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Singing Pub - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Muck 'n' Muffins - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Starfish Cafe - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪The Harbour Bar - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Teachín is a traditional stone wall Irish cottage located in Ballinacleava (Baile na tSleibhe) in the hills 2 miles outside of Downings and on the Wild Atlantic Way. The cottage is in a rural location (in a Gaeltacht area) and is perfect for somebody seeking relaxation through peace and quiet. The nearest neighbours are only occasionally at home and are located 200m away. When guests arrive, often the first comment is to reflect on how quiet the location is.

The cottage was fully renovated a few years ago in a style that brings its heritage value to the fore. The cottage has 2 double bedrooms and a bed deck with skylight to the rear that is suitable for age 10 and up. There is a living room with eating area, kitchen, shower room, a boot room for those wet days and muddy walks and a small utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. As we wanted to keep the heritage of the house as much as possible we do not have central heating, instead we have a stove in the living room and energy efficient electric radiators in each bedroom and the shower room. The living room is a very cosy environment and perfect for lazy days and relaxing times together reading, playing games or watching TV together, while listening to the crackle of the fire in the stove.

The house has a parking area suitable for two cars and a large garden for relaxing in and reading or just sitting to take in the stunning view over Sheephaven Bay, the Ards forest park and Muckish mountain.

The house is ideal for photographers as we still have a relatively dark night sky to the rear (north) of our house. As the address of the house suggests we are situated on a small mountain and the cottage is a good base for hill walkers. Downings is a 35 minute walk away by road while Dooey (Dubaih), Tra na Rossan, the Singing pub and Melmore Head are all within a few hours walk away if you are prepared to walk over the mountain through moor and heather. For the more serious walker the Glenveagh mountains home to Errigal, Muckish and the poison Glen are just a 30 minute drive away. Glenveagh Castle and National Park are also well worth a visit. In the park there are mapped out trails and guided tours available.

For golfers the Rosapenna hotel and golf course is located just three miles away.

The Rosguill Peninsula also provides opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing, deep-sea diving, sea angling & boat charters. The Jaws Watersports shop located in Downings and Dunfanaghy also offers courses for children and adults. A day trip to Tory island can also be booked via the Tory Island ferry.

Letterkenny is just a 40 minute drive away and the walled City of Derry 60 minutes.

Here is a link to an aerial view of the cottage and surroundings, the video is hosted on YouTube https://youtu.be/0YCY1tW_JEY

Regarding pets, if you have a pet and are interested in staying in the cottage please send me an enquiry over the website and we can discuss the request.
The cottage is heated and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker. Housekeeping is available on request.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 1,399 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (20 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Pet on request

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Cottage Nestled Hills Above
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above Downings
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Cottage Nestled Hills Above
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above Downings
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Cottage Nestled Hills Above
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above Downings
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see close to this cottage?

This cottage is located in Downings, close to Marble Hill Strand, Sandy Hills Golf Course, and Ards Forest Park. You'll also find Carrigart Beach and Carrigart Riding Stables within a short drive.

Is there parking available at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

No, there isn't parking at this cottage.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

What do couples enjoy most about An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this cottage, including a fireplace and a kitchen in each cottage, and some feature ocean view.

Does An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings have a hot tub?

No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this cottage provide breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

Does An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings have connecting rooms available?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Letterkenny (LTR-Letterkenny Airfield), which is 29.2 mi away (67 minutes by car). Another top airport is Donegal (CFN), which is around 23.3 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

Yes, every cottage at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings comes with a patio and some offer ocean views.

An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 146 out of 162 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 162 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 162 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 162 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 162 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location and great wee cottage

Beautiful and secluded. We would definitely return! Quiet, clean, cosy, with incredible scenery and local beaches.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jillian R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage in Ireland

Very nice place to stay
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

A very private scenic home . A beautiful place for a quiet stay .
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is adorable. Very secluded. The road in/out takes some getting used to. Very narrow
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely rural retreat

Wonderful week in a true Irish cottage with a few modern conveniences (microwave, washer & dryer). Plus stunning views!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved this little rustic cabin. It actually had three bedrooms!! Views were fantastic. Great spot to explore this part of the country.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jörn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

idyllic cottage

perfect, calm and romantic
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful quiet getaway

Yet another great stay in this quiet, peaceful and beautiful cottage. All you could wish for in rural Donegal with views of the wild Atlantic quite literally on your doorstep.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage

We enjoyed our stay in the cottage
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Denis T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely remote old cottage

Its remote, which we like.Kitchen/diner fine for a small group. Stove and radiator worked well to heat the room.Double beds were a bit too small and mattresses were very soft, so not that comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility framed in rugged beauty

Yet another relaxing stay in this beautiful cottage, set amongst Donegal's rolling hills and with the most spectacular views of the North Atlantic's dramatic coastline.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Common P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

September 2024

Loved the charm of the place. It is relatively remote, but the views are astounding, and all needs were met by the host and a near-by housekeeper.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Victor McKee

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Downings Retreat

Only a short break (3 nights), the house was exactly as described and located five minutes drive from the village of Downings, narrow roads but no passing traffic. Beautiful views from the garden across Sheephaven Bay to Marble Hill Strand and Dunfanaghy. The house is well equipped with everything you could need including a log burner for the colder days / evenings and ample supply of fuel at very reasonable cost. Dog friendly was a bonus, would definitely recommend for a short - or long-get away from it all break.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Willem & Lenneke B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

wonderful place!

It was difficult to reach the house, but once you had arrived you never wanted to leave: a dazzling view and no moment the same...the house itself had tasteful furnishings and colours and a good working stove. Also a good place to start walking (first to make a trip bij car to reach the starting point).
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short break

Had the most relaxing few days at this beautiful cottage.Fantastic panoramic views. Cottage was well equipped, lovely fire and very comfortable all round. Everything you need for a relaxing break and a 5 -10 minute drive into Downings. William the owner was very helpful and made the booking process very easy. Would highly recommend and will definitely return☺️
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Judith M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Teachin

We had a wonderful week in this beautiful part of Donegal, loved the cottage and so grateful to Michael for sharing his lovely cottage and to Maryanne for all her help.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little haven.

I loved everything about this cottage, it’s remoteness, the peace, the view, how quiet it is, and how it sits in the landscape, a beautiful part of Donegal. I would have no hesitation in going back. Both the owner, William, and Maryann the property manager were friendly and eager to help.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denis S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it

Absolutely loved my stay. My wife, son, and my brother stayed for several days in February. The house was genuinely cozy--set a lovely fire in the parlor and electric heat in the bedrooms. Step out the door in the morning and you have a gorgeous view of Muckish and Sheephaven bay. We were also fortunate to have gorgeous weather and were treated to the Northern Lights.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Remote retreat

The directions to the cottage were excellent, however the first time we drove there the road was a little daunting, especially when you went over a rise and had no idea what was on the other side. Loved the remote location, with cows for our only neighbors. The tree out front in the yard turned greener each day we were there as the leaves were opening up. Loved our stay. Explored the area around Downings, but still lots to explore.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Perfect!

What a wonderful weeklong stay for us. Teachin is a lovely traditional Irish cottage, snug and comfortably quaint though with all modern conveniences, well appointed kitchen, laundry, etc. Off the beaten path, remotely situated on a hillside overlooking the gorgeous Sheephaven Bay, yet just 10 minutes from the village of Downings with pubs, restaurants (Fisk!!), a leisure center with pool, beaches to explore, etc. Be sure to read through the history of the area provided by the owner. Great base from which to explore the beautiful Donegal area. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in a beautiful location

The cottage is exactly as listed on VRBO. It’s charming and absolutely lovely. The road to the cottage was easy to navigate in our small rental, even arriving at night. The fireplace easily heated the living room and made a very stormy night nice and cozy inside. Everything we needed for a self-cater vacation was provided in the cottage. The welcome book provided a lot of interesting information about the area. Communication with the host and housekeeper were excellent. Our stay at Teachín was a perfect winter vacation, we hope to be back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pauline M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility and beauty

The cottage lived up to our expectations and more. We had a lovely few days here and only wished it was for longer. For anyone seeking peace and tranquility it is in an ideal location in a beautiful setting. The cottage has been beautifully renovated in keeping with the character of the property and everything you could possibly need during your stay has been provided by the owner. We liked everything about the cottage and especially loved the cosiness of the living area with the wood burning stove. Overall we had a short but wonderful stay in Teachin but would hope to return for a longer stay in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grainne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most perfect peaceful getaway

Have just returned from our 4 night stay in this quaint little cottage with my family. It was everything I had hoped it would be. A beautiful place to just take some time away from the treadmill of life. The cottage is cosy and was catered with everything we needed and the view from the front door is simply stunning. We walked to the Singing Pub (approx 2 miles away and the food is delicious). An extremely enjoyable walk, made even more so on the return to Treacin cottage because of the wonderful sunset views we experienced. All in all a special place where memories are made.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything it promised ... and some

Driving up the road to the property was interesting to say the least - but the description did say "... nestled in the hills above Downings" - it certainly is. This lovely old stone cottage was perfect for out 4 night stay in Donegal. It's comfortable and well equipped - perfect for those wanting to self-cater. William, and his wonderful local property manager, Maryann, are very professional and take pride in ensuring their guests enjoy their stay. We definitely did. We have no hesitation in recommending the property to a couple or family and we would absolutely stay here again if ever we are back in the region.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Earth hath not anything to show more fair

Dull would (s)he be who could not appreciate this lovely cottage and its breathtaking setting. Not for dullards! Bring your books and your boots, a little raingear and your favourite companion and take it all in, from before sunrise to the advent of the Milky Way (and the occasional falling star) at night. In dhort: fabulous!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024